Perth prepares to host World Indigenous Tourism Summit in 2020

Being held from 5th to 9th April next year, the World Indigenous Tourism Summit is expected to attract hundreds of delegates from around Australia and the world to Perth.

Bringing together indigenous tourism operators and world leaders to discuss economic, environmental, social and political advances and challenges in indigenous tourism, the Summit (WITS 2020) promises to be an enriching experience where participants can impart and gain knowledge of the vital intersections among tourism, community and earth stewardship. Participants will learn more about the values that make Indigenous tourism special and unique values of respect, generosity, hospitality and authentic earth wisdom.

WITS 2020 carries a promise of collaboration, fellowship and the sharing of strong commitment to improving the well-being of Indigenous societies and sacred Mother Earth

The hosting was first announced last year following a successful bid by the WA Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC), with support from the Perth Convention Bureau (PCB) and the Western Australian Government through Tourism Western Australia.

Commenting last year when the Summit was awarded to Perth, Western Australian Tourism Minister, Paul Papalia stated “this global summit … will shine a spotlight on Perth and the state's extraordinary Aboriginal tourism sector (and) will not only promote our unique Aboriginal culture, but also give us insights into how others around the world support indigenous tourism.

"Aboriginal tourism plays an important part of Tourism WA's Two-year Action Plan which will attract more visitors to Western Australia, encourage them to stay longer, disperse further into the regions and do more while they're here.

"There is a strong opportunity to capitalise on the increasing interest in Aboriginal tourism, and the (Western Australian) Government, through Tourism WA and in partnership with WAITOC, is working on a number of initiatives to help further grow the sector in the State."

The biennial Summit was held in Waitangi in New Zealand in April 2018, attracting about 250 delegates.

The Summit is hosted by the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA), an Indigenous led global network of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples and organisations who seek to give practical expression to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, through tourism.

Click here for Summit information in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.